Congressman Cohen Introduces FAIR Airline Fees Amendment

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a member of the House Subcommittee on Aviation, has introduced the bipartisan, bicameral FAIR Fees amendment to the House Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill scheduled to be debated next week on the House floor. FAIR stands for Forbid Airlines from Imposing Ridiculous fees.

The amendment would protect consumers from unreasonable fees by having the FAA assess whether airline fees for changed or cancelled flights, baggage or other services are reasonable and proportional to the cost of the services provided.

"Too often, I'm hearing about astronomical fees for schedule changes or baggage fees that appear out of whack with the likely true cost to the airlines," Congressman Cohen said. "I'd like to see an objective assessment of those fees in line with the public's expectations."

Congressman Cohen is also the author of the Seat Egress in Air Travel (SEAT) Act, which is included in the base text of the FAA Reauthorization bill, that would require the FAA to establish minimum standards for space on passenger airliners, including the size, width and pitch of seats, the amount of leg room and the width of aisles needed for safe emergency evacuations within the FAA's prescribed time limits.

Congressman Cohen is also the author of an amendment that would prohibit charging excessive airline ticket prices for outbound flights from federally declared states of emergency and locally mandated evacuation areas.

The FAIR Fees amendment is identical to a bipartisan amendment in the Senate FAA reauthorization bill introduced by Senators Edward Markey and Roger Wicker. It has been endorsed by National Consumers League, Consumers Union, Consumer Action, Consumer Federation of America, U.S. Public Interest Research Group, Travelers United, Airlinepassengers.org, Business Travel Coalition, National Association of Airline Passengers, and Travelers' Voice.